03.03.2010 12:02
Andalusia, a happy hunting ground for Guardiola
Jesús Carrillo
Pep Guardiola’s league record against Spain’s First Division Andalusian clubs is excellent. In 15 encounters as Barça manager he’s won 14 and drawn one.
Only Betis, who later dropped down into the Second Division, gave Barça any problems last season,
with a tight 3-2 win in the Camp Nou and a 2-2 draw in the Ruiz de Lopera.
Barça relentless
When it comes to teams from the south of Spain, Barça just can’t stop winning. Last
year Barça took all six points against Sevilla, Recreativo, Malaga and Almería, and four points
against Betis. Barça scored 33 goals and conceded 5 in ten league games against Andalusian
opposition. The team that suffered most was Malaga, who conceded 10 goals in two matches against
Barça whereas Recreativo only conceded 4.
More of the same
This season has been pretty much the same and Barça have already beaten
all the Andalusian teams in the First Division (Sevilla, Almería, Malaga and Jerez). Sevilla were
thrashed in the Camp Nou, Almería, –still managed by Hugo Sánchez– lost narrowly and
Malaga handed over all six points And Barça warmed up for the World Club Cup by beating Jerez away.
Three to go
Next Saturday, Barça travel to the scene of the Mediterranean Games to take on Almería. After
that match, Barça will have to play just two more matches against Andalusian opposition - Jerez
(week 34), in the Camp Nou, and Sevilla away (week 37).